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Patna, Nov 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of Bihar assembly elections picked up pace on Tuesday, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) reporting 14.55 per cent turnout till 9 am, an impressive figure for the first two hours of polling. ECI has recorded 14.55 per cent turnout till 9 am, the highest turnout was recorded in Gaya Ji with 15.97 per cent turnout, followed by Kishanganj at 15.81 per cent, Jamui at 15.77 per cent, Purnia at 15.54 per cent and Araria district at 15.34 per cent. Apart from these, 15.04 percent in West Champaran, 14.11 percent in East Champaran, 13.94 percent in Shivhar, 13.49 percent in Sitamarhi, 13.25 percent in Madhubani, 14.85 percent in Supaul, 13.77 percent in Katihar, 13.43 percent in Bhagalpur, 15.14 percent in Banka, Kaimur 15.08 percent voting was recorded in Rohtas. 14.16 percent, 14.95 percent in Arwal, 13.81 percent in Jehanabad, 15.43 percent in Aurangabad and 13.46 percent in Nawada. Voting is going on amid tight security in 122 constituencies in 20 districts. Like Phase-1, officials expect turnout to increase throughout the day. A large number of women voters and first-time voters were seen queuing up outside polling stations since morning – especially in districts like Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj and West Champaran. Voting is going on amid tight security in 122 assembly constituencies of 20 districts of Bihar. Of the 122 constituencies where voting is taking place, 101 are general, 19 are SC-reserved and two are ST-reserved. For Phase-2, the ECI has created 45,399 polling stations – 5,326 urban and 40,073 rural. These include 595 women-managed booths, 91 disabled-managed booths and 316 model stations. Webcasting arrangements have been made at all polling stations. The average voters per booth is 815. According to the Election Commission, 3,70,13,556 voters are eligible to vote in this round. This includes 10,21,812 new voters added to the rolls. These include 1,95,56,899 male voters enrolled in the voter list, which includes 5,28,954 new male voters included in the list after SIR. Similarly, a total of 1,70,68,572 women voters are in the list, of which 4,92,839 new ones have been added after SIR. The voters of the third gender are 943, of which 90 are new additions. A total of 7,69,356 voters are in the 18-19 age group – these will be first-time voters in the assembly elections. Bihar Police has made all security arrangements for voting. Special security measures have been taken in seven districts along the India-Nepal border, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Araria and Kishanganj, while surveillance has also been increased on the borders with Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The international borders have been completely sealed since Sunday evening to prevent infiltration and movement of outside elements, while interstate borders have also been closed. As per the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 1,650 companies of central security forces have been deployed across the state to ensure peaceful and fair polling. Security agencies are using drones and CCTV cameras for surveillance and quick response teams (QRTs) have also been deployed for immediate action in case of emergencies. –IANS. ajk/dpb